2009 Reports

Follow-up on Implementation of Recommendations from 2006 Performance Audit of New Construction AssessmentsRob McGowan

The management letter provides the results of our follow-up review of our 2006 New Construction Assessments performance audit. The follow-up review found that three of the four recommendations from the original audit have not been implemented. A fourth recommendations is no longer applicable. Released on December 23, 2009.

Assessment and Analysis of Euthanasia Practices at King County Animal Care and ControlValerie Whitener, Brian Estes, and Dr. Annette Rauch, Tufts University

In response to concerns about King County Animal Care and Control (KCACC) euthanasia practices, the performance audit evaluates selected euthanasia practices at KCACC and compare them to model practices. Released without presentation on December 8, 2009.

Follow-up on Implementation of Recommendations from 2007 Performance Audit of County Vehicle ReplacementRob McGowan, Larry Brubaker

The management letter provides the results of our follow-up review of our 2007 County Vehicle Replacement performance audit. The audit looked at how efficiently and effectively the county replaced its non-revenue vehicles. Released November 9, 2009.

A performance audit of King County Animal Care and Control (ACC) was mandated by the King County Council in response to concerns about ACC shelter services and data reliability. The overall audit objective was to determine the extent to which the existing data systems, policies, and procedures are appropriately used to manage and carry out shelter operations, improve performance, and promote transparency and accountability. Presented October 26, 2009.

The EMS Levy Financial Review responds to Ordinance 15862 requesting a review and comparison of the county programs funded by the EMS levy, including the annual revenues, expenditures, and reserves to those identified in the council-adopted financial plan. The report also assesses the reasonableness of the financial plan and model in projecting annual costs, and the adequacy of established internal controls to properly manage the financial and contractual aspects of levy-funded Advanced Life Support services. Presented to the Government, Accountability & Oversight Committee September 15, 2009.

The Performance Audit of Transit examined six general areas: financial and capital planning including analysis of trolley replacement options and fare strategies; bus service development; bus operator and transit police staffing; Americans with Disabilities Act paratransit; vehicle maintenance; and ridership data and customer communications during emergencies. This audit focuses on providing information that will result in cost savings and analysis that decision-makers can utilize when making policy decisions. Presented to the Government, Accountability & Oversight Committee September 15, 2009.

Brightwater project quarterly oversight reports recognize steps the Wastewater Treatment Division is taking to successfully manage the Brightwater Project and deal with the changing construction environment. The reports also respond to the County Council's goal of strengthening the Brightwater Project's performance and independent, expert oversight. The reports are presented to the King County Council Government Accountability and Oversight Committee. For reports published in 2008, click here.

Recent council enactments have brought King County closer to reaching the goal of implementing a countywide performance management system. Council actions have been supported by the combined efforts of the county’s elected officials and the Performance Management Work Group. This report reviews a brief history of the work that lead up to the 2008 landmark legislation and recent accomplishments in performance management achieved by King County government. It also highlights some of the next steps in the process to be taken in 2009. Published on February 25, 2009.

The monthly reports provide independent and expert legislative oversight of the Ninth and Jefferson Building (NJB) Project to ensure that the County Council receives sufficient and timely information on the project scope, schedule and budget, and to promote transparency and public accountability in the development of this $180 million bond-supported building project. For reports published in 2007, click here. For reports published in 2008, click here.

The ABT Program will transform King County’s operations by consolidating and streamlining business processes and by implementing new financial, human resource/payroll, and budget systems for use by all agencies of county government. Implementation of the ABT Program is lead by program staff in the Department of Executive Services. The County Council directed the Capital Projects Oversight Program to conduct oversight on the ABT Program.